Eagle County ambulance districts announce new name

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EDWARDS, Colorado - Eagle County Paramedic Services is the new name for the ambulance service serving Eagle County. This name change reflects the continuing process of merging the county's two ambulance districts, Eagle County Ambulance District and Western Eagle County Ambulance District.

"The new identity of Eagle County Paramedic Services marks an exciting milestone in our efforts to enhance a superior standard of care throughout Eagle County," said Fred Morrison, general manager of Eagle County Paramedic Services. "Our new name and new logo reflect the official start of an effort we feel is the right thing to do, both operationally and financially."

Eagle County Paramedic Services is the result of a merger between Eagle County Ambulance District and Western Eagle County Ambulance District, which takes effect early next year. Eagle County Paramedic Services plans to have administrative systems from the two districts merged by Jan. 1 with operations gradually merging during the next several months.

Prior to the formation of Eagle County Paramedic Services, Eagle County Ambulance District provided service from Wolcott to the eastern boundary of Eagle County while Western Eagle County Ambulance District covered the remaining western portion of the county. Eagle County Paramedic Services will now provide service to all of Eagle County.

Although the merger of administration and operations is occurring now, an inclusion election will need to be held in May or June of 2013 and shortly after the results are ratified, Eagle County District Court will order the final merger. The boards of directors will then be consolidated and the process should be complete by mid-July.

The districts' consolidation into Eagle County Paramedic Services is also expected to create more financial stability and efficiency for emergency medical services in Eagle County. Currently, Western Eagle County Ambulance District is funded with a 5 mills levy. Upon completion of the merger, that will drop to 2 mills in 2014 or 2015. Eagle County Ambulance District is currently funded with a 2 mills levy.